Andy Moffatt

Jon Wilkin helped rugby league claim victory over a team of Geordie footballing legends in a wacky charity challenge.

Saints skipper Wilkin was part of a team of RL aces picked to take on Newcastle United superstars Peter Beardsley, Rob Lee and John Beresford.

The teams were tasked with an unusual goalkicking challenge in the shadow of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

With five giant inflatable rugby ball targets in the river to aim at, Beardsley, Lee and Beresford took on the Super League team of Wilkin, Marc Sneyd of Hull FC, and Widnes’ Jack Owens in an effort to raise money for charity and help promote the First Utility Super League heading to the North-East for the 2015 Magic Weekend.

After a tough start for all players, Wilkin gave the Super League stars an early lead. John Beresford pulled a point back for the legends before Marc Sneyd put the Rugby League team back in front with his renowned left foot.

With England legend Peter Beardsley surprisingly struggling to hit the targets, Rob Lee and John Beresford hit two in row to put the NUFC legends 3-2 ahead in the final round.

The rugby league Tyne river challenge

However, the Super League stars showed their precision in their final shots with Jon Wilkin and Vikings star Jack Owens hitting the targets on the final shots to take the title with a 4-3 victory. With £250 being rewarded for every target hit, the teams raised £1,750 for the NSPCC.

Peter Beardsley, former Newcastle United star, said: “Myself, Rob and John were pleased to put some of the stars of the First Utility Super League through their paces! It’s great that Magic Weekend is coming to Newcastle and St James Park, this is a sport-mad, passionate city and every player, in every team will not forget their experience here come the end of May.”

Ed Kamm, chief customer officer at First Utility, said: “We’ve seen a few of the best and brightest First Utility Super League players go toe-to-toe with some genuine Newcastle United legends - with our rugby league stars proving they are more accurate than the footballing greats in our unique challenge.

“We’re proud to sponsor the First Utility Super League and we’re especially proud today that we’ve been able to raise £1,750 for the NSPCC and boost the profile of the sport ahead of Magic Weekend descending on the Toon.”